Creamy herbed cheese ball rolled in pecans
Classic Cheese Ball
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
0 min
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12
1 cheese ball
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Classic Cheese Ball
Creamy herbed cheese ball rolled in pecans
★4.5(12)
A retro-classic cheese ball made with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and herbs, rolled in toasted pecans. The perfect party snack with crackers.
15m
Prep Time
0m
Cook Time
15m
Total Time
12
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
The cheese ball is a crowd-pleasing classic that deserves a permanent spot on your party menu. Creamy, tangy, and coated in crunchy pecans, it is irresistible.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- 1
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in cheddar, green onions, Worcestershire, and garlic powder.
- 2
Season with salt and pepper. Shape mixture into a ball on plastic wrap.
- 3
Wrap tightly and refrigerate at least 1 hour until firm.
- 4
Spread chopped pecans on a plate. Roll the cheese ball in pecans, pressing gently to coat.
- 5
Serve with an assortment of crackers, celery sticks, and apple slices.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor
Substitutions
Sharp cheddarSmoked gouda
Adds a smoky, rich flavor
PecansWalnuts or sliced almonds
Different nut flavor and texture
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Make it 2-3 days ahead—the flavors develop over time.
Try rolling in everything bagel seasoning or crispy bacon bits instead of pecans.
Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for the best spreadability.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (30mg) · 12 servings
Calories180
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein7g
Carbohydrates16g
Fat3g
Fiber240mg
Sugar1g
Sodium1g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I freeze a cheese ball?
- Yes, freeze (without the nut coating) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and roll in nuts before serving.
- What crackers pair best?
- Water crackers, Ritz, or wheat thins are all great choices.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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